Miniature spool

ABSTRACT

A miniature spooling apparatus is described. The miniature spooling apparatus includes a housing having a miniature motor attached within the housing. The miniature motor has an axle extending therefrom, with a mechanically powered miniature spool attached with the axle. The miniature spool includes a top portion with a channel formed circumferentially around the top portion, and a bottom portion having slits formed therein. The slits intersect one another at a point of intersection to form an axle receptacle for receiving the axle from the miniature motor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of Invention

The present invention relates to props and gimmicks used in the field of toys and magic to create a variety of illusions and, more particularly, to a miniature spooling apparatus for use with an invisible thread reel prop.

(2) Description of Related Art

The present invention relates to props and gimmicks used in the field of magic, carried on the person or hidden in the clothing of the magician, and used to create the illusion of controlling an object with no visible means to do so. This type of product is generally referred to as an invisible thread reel (ITR). There are typically two different types of ITR's available.

The majority of traditional ITR's use a rubber band (internally secured on two sides with a spooler fastened around the middle) to provide tension to the thread. When the thread is extended, it unwinds and causes the spooler to rotate and the rubber band to twist. The uses and applications for this type of ITR are limited by the fact that the tension varies according to the amount of twist in the rubber band because the thread never has an even amount of tension.

A few motorized ITR's have been developed over the years but they have minimal directional control over the thread. Additionally, concealment of the product is also difficult. These issues are due to a combination of spooler placement (typically located in the center of the devices) and the opening that the thread moves through (which is not typically adjustable). Both of these drawbacks cause difficulty for the magician during operation and limit the number of ways that they can be used during a performance. Some existing products have been conceived that include miniature spools with ITR's. While operable, the existing miniature spool is limited to the amount of thread that it can accommodate as well as to the angle at which the thread is wound and unwound. Further, the existing miniature spool includes no additional features that allow a user to manually slow or control the rotational speed of the spool.

Thus, a continuing need exists for a miniature spooling apparatus and miniature spool that accommodates increased amounts of thread while providing for additional features to control rotational speed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a miniature spooling apparatus with a miniature spool. The miniature spool comprises a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion has a channel formed circumferentially around the top portion for spooling a thread therein. The bottom portion includes an axle receptacle formed therein for receiving an axle from a miniature motor.

In another aspect, the channel has an outer edge and a center portion, with a channel depth spanning between the outer edge and center portion, and wherein a tapered channel portion rises from the center portion toward the outer edge such a recess exists between the outer edge and tapered channel portion.

In yet another aspect, the recess has a recess depth such the recess depth is approximately one half of the channel depth.

Further, channel has a channel width and the center portion has a center portion width, such that the center portion width is approximately half of the channel width.

In another aspect, the top portion has a top edge and further comprising a stop pad affixed with the top portion such that the stop pad extends beyond the top edge of the top portion.

In yet another aspect, the stop pad is made of rubber.

Finally, as can be appreciated by one in the art, the present invention also comprises a method for forming and using the miniature spool and spooling apparatus as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent

from the following detailed descriptions of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is an exploded-view illustration of a miniature spooling apparatus

according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is an exploded-view illustration of a cover apparatus according to

various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is an exploded-view illustration of the cover apparatus according to

various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2C is an illustration of the cover apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is an illustration of a motor housing according to various embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the motor housing, depicting a motor and

integrated circuit attached thereto.

FIG. 4A is a top, elevated-view illustration of a miniature spool according to the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a bottom, elevated-view illustration of the miniature spool according to the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a side-view illustration of the miniature spool according to the present invention;

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional, side-view illustration of the miniature spool according to the present invention, taken from Section A-A of FIG. 4C;

FIG. 5A is a top-view illustration of a miniature spooling apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a top-view illustration of the miniature spooling apparatus shown in FIG. 5A, depicting removal of a cover apparatus; and

FIG. 5B is a bottom-view illustration of the miniature spooling apparatus shown in FIG. 5C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to props and gimmicks used in the field of magic to create a variety of illusions and, more particularly, to a miniature spooling apparatus for use with an invisible thread reel prop. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.

Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counter clockwise have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions between various portions of an object.

(1) Description

The present invention relates to a miniature spool and miniature spooling apparatus for use in the field of magic and illusions. The miniature spooling apparatus includes an invisible thread reel (ITR) that allows magicians and other users to conceal the device while controlling the invisible thread using a miniature electric motor. The miniature electric motor provides an even and consistent thread tension to the invisible thread when used to control the motion of small objects attached to the thread, thereby providing the illusion of levitation.

The illustrations and diagrams set out herein are for the purpose of detailing the structural, functional and aesthetic parameters embodied in this particular version of a normal-looking device, (such as writing pen) with a motorized thread reel hidden inside (such as within the cap of the writing pen).

It should be understood that although the present invention is directed to a miniature spool and various miniature spooling apparati that can be formed to include said miniature spool. For example, in one aspect, the miniature spooling apparatus is illustrated as being used in a pen configuration, although the present invention is not intended to be limited thereto as it can also be used separately without a pen and incorporated into virtually any item. Before describing the spool itself in detail, various example miniature spooling apparatus are described that are suitable for implementing said spool.

For example and as shown in FIG. 1 , the present invention is a miniature spooling apparatus 100. The miniature spooling apparatus includes a main housing 102 having a miniature motor 104 attached with the main housing 102. The miniature motor 104 is any suitable motor that can be used to spin a thread 105 (e.g., invisible thread) around a thread spooler, a non-limiting example of which includes a battery-powered, 12 millimeter electric motor. The motor 104 also provide a constant and even amount of tension when in operation.

The motor 104 includes a shaft 106 extending there from, with a mechanically powered spool 108 attached with the shaft 106. Thus, the motor 104 is connected with the spool 108 for powering the spool 108 and winding thread 105 around the spool 108. Rotational torque from the motor 104 is transferred through the spool 108 and into the thread 105 in the form of a continuous pulling force. In one aspect, it should be noted that as the motor 104 attempts to reel in the thread 105, the user can pull against the motor 104 while the motor 104 is still turned on and actually pull thread 105 out against the motor's pulling force. Thus, in this aspect, as the user pulls the thread 105 out and the motor 104 attempts to reel in the thread 105, the thread is taut which provides a constant tension.

An integrated circuit 110 is electrically connected with the motor 104 to operate the motor 104. The integrated circuit 110 is housed within the main housing 102 and is configured to start and stop the motor 104 (i.e., turn the motor off and on). The integrated circuit 110 is, for example, an integrated circuit that includes a memory and is capable of sending a start and stop signal to the motor 104. The integrated circuit 110 can include a pre-programmed memory, or be programmable such that a user can program their own commands into the integrated circuit 110. Although described as an integrated circuit 110, as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the component can be replace with any suitable mechanism or device capable of performing the same functions listed herein.

A power source 109 is attached with the main housing 102 and electrically connected with both the integrated circuit 110 and motor 104 to power the motor 104. The power source 109 is any suitable source of energy that is operable for powering the motor 104. As a non-limiting example, the power source 109 is a 1.5 Volt battery that is encased within the main housing 102. Also included is a battery holder 111. The battery holder 111 is positioned within the main housing 102 operates to hold the power source 109 fixed in place within the main housing 102.

The integrated circuit 110 and motor 104 are affixed in the main housing 102 using any mechanism or technique to limit rotational motion of the motor 104 and circuit 110 with respect to the main housing 102. As a non-limiting example, a motor housing 142 is used to affix the motor 104 within the main housing 102. Notably, the motor housing 142 includes a pair of housing slits 144 that are formed to accommodate the thin, wafer-like integrated circuit 110. In other words, an edge of the integrated circuit 110 can be positioned within the housing slits 144 to secure the integrated circuit against the motor housing 142 and motor 104. Once connected, the motor housing 142 (and attached motor 104 and integrated circuit 110) can be positioned and secured (via secure fit, press fit, glue, etc.) within the main housing 102.

In some aspects, a pocket or pen clip 146 can be included to add to the aesthetic realism in the event that the item 100 is formed to simulate a normal pen. Further, a cap ring 148 can be included to maintain the pen clip 146 against the main housing 102 (i.e., barrel). For example, the cap ring 148 is adapted with a lip portion and inner thread portion. The lip portion has a diameter that is sufficient to secure the pen clip 146 against the outer part of the main housing 102 (by sandwiching it therebetween), while the thread portion is formed to thread within the main housing 102 and secure the cap ring 148 (and by it the pen clip 146) against the main housing 102 via threads 140 that are formed or otherwise affixed within the main housing 102

The miniature spooling apparatus 100 is configured to initiate operation of the motor 104 using any desired mechanism, technique or device. Desirably, the integrated circuit 110 is configured to detect rotation of the motor as a user pulls out the thread 105 and the spool rotates (thereby rotating the shaft 106 of the motor 104). Upon rotation of the shaft 106, a signal is sent to the integrated circuit 110 to activate the motor 104 and cause the motor 104 to turn on and attempt to wind or otherwise add tension to the thread 105.

As another example, a switch is electrically connected with the integrated circuit 110 to send a signal (e.g., complete a circuit) to the integrated circuit 110. Upon receipt of the signal, the integrated circuit 110 either starts or stops the motor 104, depending upon the motor's 104 current operation. The switch is any suitable switch that is capable of completing a circuit or otherwise sending a signal to an integrated circuit 110. As a non-limiting example, the switch is a magnetic reed switch that is operable via a magnetic field. Other non-limiting examples of suitable switches include a timer mechanism and a motion activated switch. For example, if a motion activated switch, upon the user's body motion, the integrated circuit 110 will cause the motor 104 to turn on for a predetermined amount of time (or until the motion stops).

As noted above, in one aspect, the switch is a magnet reed switch that is electrically connected with the integrated circuit 110. To operate the switch, a magnet is attached with the shaft 106 and/or the spool 108. As a non-limiting example, the magnet can be wrapped around the shaft 106, with the shaft 106 positioned through the magnet. As another non-limiting example, the magnet is embedded within the spool 108. Thus, as a user manually pulls the thread 105 from the spool 108, this causes both the shaft 106 and spool 108 to rotate, which in turn rotates the magnet. The magnetic reed switch is attached within the main housing 102 such that it is positioned proximate the magnet and/or. Thus, rotating the magnet causes the magnetic field to shift which actuates the magnetic reed switch, which then completes a circuit which is detected by the integrated circuit 110 (as the integrated circuit 110 is always in a sleep mode while the motor 104 is off). The integrated circuit 110 then turns on the motor 104 which then begins winding the thread 105 around the spool 108. The switch can also be optional used as an on/off momentary switch.

The integrated circuit 110 can also be configured such that as the thread 105 is pulled slowly by the user, the motor 104 will remain off. However, as the user manually pulls the thread 105 at an increased speed, the integrated circuit 110 then turns on the motor 104. An advantage to this is that it allows a user to withdraw thread 105 while not causing the motor 104 to turn on. This effect can be caused by a program within the integrated circuit 110, or by the properties of the magnetic reed switch or any other switching device.

In one aspect, after the motor 104 has wound the thread 105 onto the spool 108, the spool 108 longer rotates and is in a freeze pattern (is still). After being still for a predetermined amount of time, the integrated circuit 110 then turns off the motor 104. As a non-limiting example, after the motor spool 108 (and thereby the motor 104) stops spinning for about five seconds, the integrated circuit 110 turns the motor 104 off.

One skilled in the art can appreciate that the present invention can also be operated remotely using a variety of devices. As a non-limiting example, the present invention also includes a wireless receiver that is attached with (or built into) the integrated circuit 110 for receiving a signal form a wireless transmitter 118. Thus, the integrated circuit 110 is configured to receive the signal from the wireless transmitter 118 and cause the motor 104 to turn on and/or off, thereby allowing a user to remotely control the miniature spooling apparatus 100. The wireless transmitter 118 can include an attachment means to allow the transmitter 118 to be secretly attached with different locations on the user's body, thereby concealing the item and allowing a user to secretly use the transmitter 118. For example, the transmitter 118 can include a small magnet, Velcro, or any other attachment means that allows the transmitter 118 to be attached with the user.

In yet another aspect, the integrated circuit 110 can be programmed with a delay. For example, when the user activates the motor 104 using the wireless transmitter 118, there is a delay (e.g., three seconds) before the motor 104 begins turning the spool 108. For example, the user can click on a button on the wireless transmitter 118 which sends a signal to the integrated circuit 110. The integrated circuit 110, upon receiving the signal, incorporates a delay before actually turning on the motor 104.

In another aspect, the integrated circuit 110 is programmed to periodically turn the motor on and off. For example, a user can send a signal from the wireless transmitter 118, which causes integrated circuit 110 to turn the motor on and off which causes a bouncing effect of any object attached to the thread 105. As a more specifically example, the user could hold down a button on the transmitter 118 for a period of time (e.g., three seconds), after which the integrated circuit 110 begins turning the motor on and off for a period of time or until another signal is sent to the integrated circuit 110 to cause it to cease the bouncing operation.

Another aspect allows a user to adjust the speed and power of the motor 104. For example, the integrated circuit 110 is configured to allow a user to raise or lower the voltage of the motor 104. For example, using the transmitter 118, a user can send an adjustment signal which signals to the integrated circuit 110 to adjust the voltage of the motor 104.

In another aspect, the integrated circuit 110 can be configured to receive a time signal that is indicative of a run-time for the motor 104. For example, a user can engage the switch (e.g., transmitter 118) for a certain period of time (e.g., three seconds) and upon disengagement, the integrated circuit 110 turns on the motor for the same amount of time (e.g., three seconds).

In another aspect, the thread 105 includes wax 120 affixed with the thread 105 to indicate an end of the thread 105 to prevent the thread 105 from getting completely drawn into the spool 108.

As mentioned above, the miniature spooling apparatus 100 is formed to simulate a non-descript item and thereby conceal its function to increase the effects of the levitation or animation illusion. As a non-limiting example, the present invention can be formed to appear and operate as a traditional ink pen. In this aspect, the main housing 102 is formed to resemble a barrel of a writing utensil with the miniature motor 104 and integrated circuit 110 encased therein. To add realism to the effect, a writing tip 124 that includes ink is attached with the main housing 102. Due to the ink (or ink cartridge) therein, the writing tip 124 allows a user to write upon a surface. Additionally, a twistable writing tip housing 126 is attached with the main housing 102 and encases the writing tip 124 therein. In other aspects, the spooling apparatus 100 can be formed to appear and operate as a sharpie, or marker (any writing utensil), as well as any other small object that can incorporate a miniature motorized reel or spool.

The writing tip housing 126 is detachably attachable to allow a user to change the ink cartridge or the battery. Additionally, the writing tip housing 126 is operable to extend or retract the writing tip 124. For example, the writing tip housing 126 can be twisted in one direction to extend the writing tip 124 beyond the writing tip housing 126, while twisting in the other direction retracts the writing tip 124 within the writing tip housing 126 to conceal the writing tip 124. The writing tip 124 is any suitable writing utensil capable of writing on a surface, a non-limiting example of which includes a ball point pen mechanism.

In another aspect, the miniature spooling apparatus 100 includes a cover apparatus 130 for covering the spool 108. In this case, although not limited thereto, the cover apparatus 130 is formed to appear as a cap to a standard pen, thereby also adding to the realism of the device and further concealing the intended function of the device. The cover apparatus 130 includes an open end and is formed such that it covers a portion of the mechanically powered spool 108. The cover apparatus is attached with the main housing 102 such that a space exists between the cover apparatus 130 and the spool 108 to allow for rotation of the spool 108 therein.

In another aspect, the spool 108 includes a rotational axis and the cover apparatus 130 is attached with the main housing 102 such that it is rotatable in relation to the main housing 102 about a rotational axis. Additionally, the cover apparatus 130 is attached with the main housing 102 such that its rotational axis is approximately parallel to the rotational axis of the spool 108. Additionally, the cover apparatus 130 (e.g., cap) can rotate around the rotational axis to any suitable degree, a non-limiting example of which includes being rotatable 360 degrees. Further, as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the cover apparatus 130 can be attached with the main housing 102 such that it may be easily removed and re-attached by user, thereby providing access to the spool 108 and allowing the user to change the spool 108 and/or thread.

As an improvement over the prior art (i.e., the '689 Patent), the cover apparatus 130 includes a first cap part 150 and a second cap part 152. An advantage of the two cap parts is that it allows the first cap part 150 to be formed to cover the spool 108 and securely fit (yet be rotationally mobile) within the spooling apparatus 100, while the second cap part 152 can be formed to closely mimic the exterior appearance of an item in which the spooling apparatus 100 is mimicking (such as a pen). The first cap part 150 is formed in any suitable manner to provide for a secure fit while allowing for rotational motion of the first cap part 150 with respect to the housing 102. As a non-limiting example, the first cap part 150 is shaped and adapted to securely affix within the cap ring 148 while still allowing for rotational motion of the first cap part 150. To provide for this function and as shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C, the first cap part 150 includes a plurality of cap slits 154 formed or cut upward from an open end 156 of the first cap part 150. Desirably, the first cap part 150 includes at least two cap slits 154. The slits 154 allow for the first cap part 150 to be flexible in order to fit inside of the cap ring 148 while still providing an expansive pressure (by the walls of the first cap part 150) to secure the cover apparatus 130 to the housing 102 (e.g., via the cap ring 148 or other component). Without such a compressible yet expandable feature, the cover apparatus 130 would be too loose (and fall out easily), or too tight and not turn easily or allow for a user to access the spool when needed.

Separately, the second cap part 152 is formed to securely affix with the first cap part 150. Notably, the second cap part 152 can be formed of a material that allows it to closely mimic the item in which the apparatus 100 is mimicking, while not being limited to the material that forms the first cap part 150. For example, the second cap part 152 is a metal piece that goes on top of the first cap part 150. Thus, the material forming each of the cap parts 150 and 152 can be the same or dissimilar as desired. For example, if the apparatus 100 is created to appear like a stainless steel pen, the first cap part 150 can be formed of plastic to allow for ease of production and compression/expansion (as discussed above), while the second cap part 152 can be formed of stainless steel (to mimic a stainless steel pen) while obscuring the plastic cap (i.e., first cap part 150).

To prevent second cap part 152 from rotating with respect to the first cap part 150, a feature is keyed between the two components to provide for a mating engagement while preventing rotation therebetween. For example, the first cap part 150 has an elongated arched ridge 160 that protrudes therefrom, while the second cap part 152 has a recess 158 that is formed to matingly engage and receive the ridge 160. Notably, the depth of the ridge (i.e., ridge depth 162) is substantially the same as the thickness of the second cap part 152 (i.e., cap thickness 164). As such, when connected, an audience member is not able to easily discern that there are two distinct components connected with another to form the cover apparatus 130. The ridge 160 and second cap part 152 (via the ridge depth 162 and cap thickness 164) form a lip 166 that prevents the cover apparatus 130 from sliding too far within the apparatus 100 (e.g., such as the cap ring 148 or other relevant component) while maintaining space within the cover apparatus 130 to allow the spool 108 to easily rotate. Notably, the ridge 160 is formed in an arcuate, rectangular, or otherwise shaped to provide an opening 168 when the cover apparatus 130 is affixed with the housing 102. The opening 168 allows the thread 105 to easily pass therethrough for use.

In yet another aspect, a notch 132 is formed in the cover apparatus first cap part 150 such that when thread 105 is spooled from the spool, the thread 105 passes through the notch 132. All of the edges are smooth and rounded so the super-thin thread 105 used by the spool 108 is less likely to be cut. The notch 132 is wider at the base and narrows near the top in order to help the thread 105 into position. Although not limited thereto, in one aspect, rotation of the cover apparatus 130 allows a user to control a direction in which the thread 105 spools. The notch 132 is this aspect rises to the ridge 160 that protrudes from the walls of the first cap part 150.

As noted above and referring again to FIG. 1 , a motor housing 142 is used to affix the motor 104 within the main housing 102. The motor housing 142 is shown in further detail in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Specifically, FIG. 3A depicts the motor housing 142 alone, while FIG. 3B depicts the motor housing 142 with a motor 104 therein and an integrated circuit 110 pressed within the slits 144. Thus, the motor housing 142 is formed to securely hold the motor 104 while fitting within the main housing. Further and as noted above, the motor housing 142 is formed with slits 144 that are used to secure the integrated circuit 110 against the motor housing 142 and motor 104.

In some aspects, the new motor housing 142 as described herein is considerably thinner than the prior art, which allows the motor housing 142 to fit inside of a much slimmer pen or other device. The reduced size of the motor housing 142 is what allows this to work in such a small space and makes the pen less bulky, allowing the magician to obscure the secret tool in such a way that it's not visible for audience members. For example, the motor housing of prior art (i.e., U.S. Pat. No. 7,967,689, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference) is approximately 12 mm wide, while the new motor housing 142 of the present disclosure is approximately 9 mm wide. Overall, the motor housing of the present disclosure is approximately half of the size as the motor housing of the prior art. Additionally, as mentioned above, the miniature spooling apparatus 100 can be incorporated into a wide variety of devices, non-limiting examples of which include a watch, a magic wand, a cane, a small plastic tube, a sharpie, a bracelet, necklace pendant, etc.

As noted above and as shown in FIGS. 4A through 4D, the present invention includes a miniature spool 108 in accordance with various aspects. The miniature spool generally comprises a top portion 400 and a bottom portion 402. Also shown in the top portion 400 is a channel 404 that runs circumferentially around the miniature spool 108. The channel 404 provides the space in which the thread is wound. The channel 404 can be formed in any shape; however, desirably and as shown in FIG. 4A, the channel 404 includes a tapered channel portion 408 tapers outwards from a center portion 410. The tapered channel portion 408 and center portion 410 are approximately equal heights and collectively form the channel 404. Further, because the center portion 410 is further recessed into the channel 404, additional thread can be wound into the channel 404, while the tapered channel portion 408 assists in allowing the spool 108 to more easily capture the thread and direct the thread toward the center portion 410, thereby providing for a smooth and consistent spooling action.

As shown in the figures, the bottom portion 402 includes several very small slits 412 (approximately 0.4 millimeters wide) that are cut (or formed therein) into the bottom portion 402. It should be understood by one skilled in the art that any number of slits can be cut through the bottom portion 402 to provide the axle receptacle 414 and allow for a secure reception of the motor axle. However, desirably, the bottom portion 402 includes two slits 412 that are cut in the shape of an “X” such that the intersection of the two slits 412 is exactly at the center of the rotational axis of the miniature spool 108. The point of intersection forms the axle receptacle (or bore) 414 that allows the axle (illustrated as element 106 in FIG. 1 ) of a motor to be slid into the axle receptacle 414 in such a way as to provide a secure fit while also allowing the spool 108 to be easily removed and replaced. Further, once the two slits 412 intersect, they effectively form four slits in the bottom portion 402.

It should also be noted that the “X” configuration formed by the slits 412 provides a locking mechanism that allows the thread to be affixed at any distance from the spool 108, in addition to allowing the device to lift heavier objects of which the power of the motor might otherwise be unable to support. For example, a user can unwind a desired length of thread that is wound around and within the channel 404. Upon unwinding the desired length, the user can then run the thread through the slits 412 and then out of the miniature spooling device, or back around the channel 404. In other words, by wrapping the thread through the slits 412 (e.g., “X” configuration) and then back around the channel 404, the user has effectively reduced the amount of thread that can be unwound at that time, thereby allowing an illusionist to selectively control the amount of thread that can be unwound when performing a particular illusion or trick. Additionally, please note that that this suggested use would not be limited to looping the thread over only one of the slits 412, but also an endless configuration thereof (such as wrapping the thread through and around the slits 412 multiple times). Again, it should also be noted that by using this “locking method” the thread can still be wound back onto the spool 108 as during normal operation.

For a better appreciation of the miniaturized nature of the miniature spool 108, FIGS. 4C and 4D provide a side-view and cross-sectional view of the spool 108 with example dimensional measurements in millimeters. It should be understood that the measurements depicted in FIGS. 4C and 4C and described herein are provided as a non-limiting example of suitable measurements as the present invention is not intended to be limited thereto and can modified yet still remain relatively miniaturized. The dimensions (i.e., measurements) of the miniature spool 108 must be of such a size that the miniature spool 108 can be easily concealed in otherwise innocuous items, such as a pen cap or sunglasses. For example, each of the various components can be changed in relative scale and size and yet still fit within such innocuous items, a non-limiting example of such a change would be to increase the top portion components by 15 percent while increasing the bottom portion components by 5 percent.

For example and as shown in FIG. 4C, the top portion 400 has a diameter of approximately 5.2 mm, while the bottom portion 402 also has a diameter of approximately 5.2 mm. Further, the axle receptacle 414 has a diameter of approximately 0.4 mm. As can be understood by one skilled in the art, such approximate measurements are not meant to be exact but can be altered slightly without altering the function of the present invention, provided the spool 108 remains miniaturized and easily concealable within another item.

It is noted above that the channel 404 to bisects the top portion 400 and the bottom portion 402 can be formed in any suitable shape to spool thread. However and as noted above, desirably, the channel 404 includes a tapered channel portion 408 that tapers outwards from the center portion 410. As mentioned above and as clearly shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the tapered channel portion 408 is recessed (with a recess width 418) into the channel 404 away from an outer edge 416 of the channel 404. In other words, the tapered channel portion 408 tapers outwards and upwards from the center portion 410 to approximately half-way towards the outer edge 416. As a specific non-limiting example, the depth of the channel (i.e., channel depth 422) is approximately 1.55 mm, while the tapered channel portion 408 begins at about 0.85 mm from the outer edge 416. Thus, the recess depth 418 is approximately half of the channel depth 422. Further, the channel 404 has a channel width 424 while the center portion 410 has a center portion width 426. To provide for appropriate directing of the thread while not taking up too much space, the center portion width 426 is approximately half of the channel width 424. As used herein with respect to the depths and widths, “approximately” refers to plus or minus twenty percent and, more desirably, plus or minus ten percent (e.g., within ten percent of half of the channel depth 422).

This recess is important in that it allows the spool 108 to accommodate additional thread, yet still force the thread toward the center portion 410 (which is toward the bottom of the channel 404). In other words, by including the recess, the channel 404 is afforded additional space to allow for more thread or thicker thread. Previous miniature spools only allow for approximately 25 feet of invisible thread. The channel 404 design as described herein increases the length of thread up to 40 to 50 feet, which provides a valuable benefit to the user. Since the thread is so delicate and can break easily (or is meant to be broken in some performances) it allows the user to continue using the same spool 108 many more times before needing to change the spool 108 completely.

Further, the tapered channel portion 408 is operable for directing the thread toward the center portion 410. It is important that the thread accumulate toward the center portion 410 at the bottom of the channel 404 as it more closely aligns the thread with the notch in the cover apparatus (i.e., the notch is depicted as element 132 in FIG. 2B) for easy of spooling and direction control of the thread. Notably, the tapered channel portion 408 prevents tangling of the thread. When you have a bunch of thread wound on a spool that moves in two directions through the retraction and extraction of so much thread, the thread becomes tangled easily as it builds up in the same spot. The tapered channel portion 408 allows the thread to wind back on to the spool 108 without bunching up in one spot.

Another unique aspect of the spool 108 is the stop pad 406 that is embedded or otherwise affixed with the top portion 400. The stop pad 406 is desirably formed of rubber or other similar materials. The stop pad 406 is press fit into or otherwise adhered (via glue, etc.) to the top of the top portion 400 such that it extends partially beyond a top edge 420 of the top portion 400. The stop pad 406 operates as a brake pod to manually stop the spool 108 from spinning. In some aspects the spool 108 is incorporated into a device that allows the spool 108 to continuously spin when activated.

For example, an example handheld device 500 that conceals the spool 108 therein is shown in FIGS. 5A through 5C. The device 500 as illustrated is a simulated finger half in which the spool 102 is concealed within the device 500 while the device 500 is cupped within a magician's hand. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5C, the spool 108 (and other components, such as the motor, etc.) are concealed within the main housing 102 of the device 500. The cover apparatus 130 can be freely slid over the spool 108 to conceal the spool 108 therein. Separately and as shown in FIG. 5C, the cover apparatus 130 can be formed to include a cap nib 502 or surface therein that can be forced to engage with the stop pad 406. In other words, when the cover apparatus 130 is covering the spool 108, a user can use a finger to press the cover apparatus 130 toward the spool 108 which causes the cap nib 502 to press into contact with the stop pad 406. Thus, in use, the cap nib 502 when pressed against the stop pad 406 prevents the spool 108 from spinning; holding the thread in place temporarily.

Thus, in summary, the present invention is directed to a miniature spool 108 for use in a miniature spooling apparatus. The miniature spool 108 includes a unique channel 404 and stop pad 406 and, further, is of such a size that it can be concealed within another item to conceal the spooling nature of the item and thereby provide the illusions afforded by the invisible thread. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A miniature spool, comprising: a top portion, the top portion having a channel formed circumferentially around the top portion for spooling a thread therein; and a bottom portion with an axle receptacle formed therein for receiving an axle from a miniature motor.
 2. The miniature spool as set forth in claim 2, wherein the channel has an outer edge and a center portion, with a channel depth spanning between the outer edge and center portion, and wherein a tapered channel portion rises from the center portion toward the outer edge such a recess exists between the outer edge and tapered channel portion.
 3. The miniature spool as set forth in claim 2, wherein the recess has a recess depth such the recess depth is approximately one half of the channel depth.
 4. The miniature spool as set forth in claim 3, wherein the channel has a channel width and the center portion has a center portion width, such that the center portion width is approximately half of the channel width.
 5. The miniature spool as set forth in claim 4, wherein the top portion has a top edge and further comprising a stop pad affixed with the top portion such that the stop pad extends beyond the top edge of the top portion.
 6. The miniature spool as set forth in claim 5, wherein the stop pad is made of rubber.
 7. The miniature spool as set forth in claim 1, wherein the channel has a channel width and the center portion has a center portion width, such that the center portion width is approximately half of the channel width.
 8. The miniature spool as set forth in claim 1, wherein the top portion has a top edge and further comprising a stop pad affixed with the top portion such that the stop pad extends beyond the top edge of the top portion.
 8. e miniature spool as set forth in claim 8, wherein the stop pad is made of rubber. 